Swordtail And Platy Behavior?

[dizzied]

I just brought 4 swordtails and 2 platies a few days back for an empty tank. This is pretty much my first experience keeping them. They were zipping around, very active in the LFS, but they've been pretty still in my tank so far. Which behaviour is more "normal" for them?

The male swordtail also doesn't interact much with the five females. The male just stays on one side of the tank and the females explore stacks of lava rock on the other side. I've always thought that male livebearers like to feed and breed. I've also seen some of the female swords digging caves in the sand. Is any of that normal?

 

[donna123]

hi,
they are just settling down, give them time.
if they are eating ok i would not worry just yet, as for digging maybe they are looking for food,
what size tank are they in? donna

 

[dizzied]

They've just loosened up, exploring the tank and such. They're in a 20gal. I've been feeding them flakes, but they don't eat from the surface, they just wait until the filter outflow knocks the flake down.

I'm pretty amazed at how bright and colorful these guys are under lighting.

 

[madmom]

They're just nervous. Give them some time and they will soon be at the surface splashing and demanding to be fed.